Systems, devices, and/or methods for managing a thermocouple module

ABSTRACT

Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, which can comprise a thermocouple input module. The thermocouple input module can be adapted to determine one or more calibration factors. The thermocouple input module can be adapted to store the calibration factors. The thermocouple input module can be adapted to apply the calibration factors to an incoming thermocouple voltage value to obtain an adjusted thermocouple voltage value.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to, and incorporates by referenceherein in its entirety, pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.No. 60/994,938, filed 21 Sep. 2007; and pending U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/994,750, filed 21 Sep. 2007.

BACKGROUND

U.S. Pat. No. 6,870,421 (Takashi), which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety, allegedly discloses that the “invention providesa temperature characteristic compensation apparatus that correcttemperature characteristics of control circuits using thermal sensorsinto linear or optional temperature gradients to guarantee correct andstable operations thereof. It is equipped with a temperaturecharacteristic compensation apparatus, that can include: a constantcurrent source in which a plurality of constant current paths thatinclude the constant current path having a first resistance beinginterposed therein, which compose current mirror circuits in multiplestages, a band gap circuit formed from a pair of transistors that areconnected to the constant current paths, respectively, and a voltagefollower circuit, including the aforementioned constant current sourceand the band gap circuit that provide a reference voltage, whichsupplies the reference voltage at a low impedance. The ratio between thefirst and second resistances can be freely selected in connection withthe ratio between emitter areas of the pair of transistors (the sizeratio of the two transistors), such that a gradient of temperaturecoefficient of the output voltage can be flexibly set.” See Abstract.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,344,747 (Lunghofer), which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety, allegedly discloses that a “device and methodfor monitoring the condition of a thermocouple. In a preferredembodiment the device comprises a pair of thermocouples, eachthermocouple comprising first and second thermoelement wires, and adiagnostic element selectively electrically coupled at a junction withone of the thermoelement. In a preferred embodiment, the diagnosticelement is selected such that it is more stable at the expectedoperating temperature range of the thermocouple than the thermoelementwires themselves are. The diagnostic element can be switched intoelectrical connection with any of the thermoelements forming thethermocouples to thereby define one or more loops. An initial loopresistance is measured and recorded around each of thethermoelement/diagnostic element loops. This initial resistance isstored in a calibration matrix as a reference value. The initial loopresistance may be taken as part of a calibration process or duringinitial operation of the thermocouple. Subsequent loop resistancemeasurements are then taken over time as the thermocouples age andcompared against the reference value. By comparing the reference valueto subsequent measurements, the level of degradation of thethermoelements can be monitored. Further, in an embodiment utilizing anelectrically conductive sheath material, a conductive sheath wire may beused to connect the sheath to any one of the thermoelements or thediagnostic element. By monitoring the resistance in a measurementcircuit formed thereby, potential or actual virtual junction error inthe thermocouple assembly may be detected.” See Abstract.

SUMMARY

Certain exemplary embodiments cam provide a system, which can comprise athermocouple input module. The thermocouple input module can be adaptedto determine one or more calibration factors. The thermocouple inputmodule can be adapted to store the calibration factors. The thermocoupleinput module can be adapted to apply the calibration factors to anincoming thermocouple voltage value to obtain an adjusted thermocouplevoltage value.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A wide variety of potential practical and useful embodiments will bemore readily understood through the following detailed description ofcertain exemplary embodiments, with reference to the accompanyingexemplary drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a system 1000;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method 2000;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method 3000; and

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an informationdevice 4000.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, which can comprise athermocouple input module. The thermocouple input module can be adaptedto determine one or more calibration factors. The thermocouple inputmodule can be adapted to store the calibration factors. The thermocoupleinput module can be adapted to apply the calibration factors to anincoming thermocouple voltage value to obtain an adjusted thermocouplevoltage value.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a system 1000,which can comprise a programmable logic controller 1100. Programmablelogic controller 1100 can comprise and/or be communicatively coupled toan input module 1200, which can be a thermocouple input module. Inputmodule 1200 can be communicatively coupled to any desired number ofsensors, such as a sensor 1300, which can be a thermocouple. Via thecontrol program, programmable logic controller 1100 can be adapted toreceive information from sensor 1300 and/or, via a control program,control an actuator in hard real time.

Input module 1200 can be adapted to:

-   -   receive calibration voltage values from the thermocouple;    -   using the calibration voltage values received from a        thermocouple, determine one or more calibration factors selected        from an offset positive voltage gain, negative voltage gain, and        a cold junction temperature adjustment;    -   store the calibration factors;    -   prior to obtaining a temperature value approximately        corresponding to an incoming thermocouple voltage value, apply        the calibration factors to the incoming thermocouple voltage        value to obtain an adjusted thermocouple voltage value;    -   convert the adjusted thermocouple voltage value to a temperature        value;    -   transmit the temperature value to the programmable logic        controller; and/or    -   reset the calibration factors to stored defaults.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the one or more calibration factorscan be determined within firmware of the thermocouple input module. Incertain exemplary embodiments, the one or more calibration factorscomprise the offset, positive voltage gain, negative voltage gain, andthe cold junction temperature adjustment.

Programmable logic controller 1100 can be communicatively coupled to aninformation device 1600 via a network 1500. Information device 1600 cancomprise and/or be communicatively coupled to a user interface 1620 anda user program 1640. User program 1540 can be adapted to monitor and/orcontrol one or more activities associated with programmable logiccontroller 1100 such as creating, modifying, and/or compiling thecontrol program. User interface 1620 can be adapted to renderinformation regarding programmable logic controller 1100 such asinformation regarding creating, modifying, and/or compiling the controlprogram.

For thermocouple modules, such as those used with industrialProgrammable Logic Controller (PLC) systems, a voltage calibration canbe performed to compensate for signal degradation due to wiring and/orthermocouple inaccuracies and/or to obtain high accuracy specifications.A factory calibration can be performed during a manufacturing process tocalibrate errors that arise inside a module's hardware circuit. Yet forsome applications, this calibration of the module by the factory is notadequate for the customer due additional errors introduced by signaldegradation caused by poor wiring and/or sensor error.

A customer can attempt to compensate for these additional errors viaperforming a user calibration for a particular thermocouple input moduleas it is used in a given application. In certain exemplary embodiments,such a calibration can be performed in the control program of the PLC.In certain exemplary embodiments, a thermocouple's thermal responsecharacteristic can be non-linear and errors resulting therefrom can berelatively difficult to correct. In certain exemplary embodiments, thecustomer can adjust a temperature reading at 0° C. for a cold-junctiontemperature adjustment. In certain exemplary embodiments, attempting todetermine a non-linear response of the thermocouple can be atime-consuming process.

Rather than attempting to calibrate within the PLC program, certainexemplary embodiments can perform user calibration inside thethermocouple input module, which can be an Input/Output module. Incertain exemplary embodiments, these calibration factors can be appliedto adjust the input value before it is sent to the PLC.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method 2000, whichcan allow errors to be compensated in a process and/or can have animproved accuracy since the module can compensate the input as a linearvoltage before it is converted to temperature and sent to the PLC. Inaddition, this solution does not require any special PLC code tocompensate the thermocouple readings so the response time of the PLCprogram need not be affected.

Performing such a calibration inside the thermocouple module firmwarecan allow a voltage calibration to be performed linearly since themodule has access to the voltage information before it is converted totemperature and sent to the PLC. Voltage calibration can utilize avoltage offset, positive voltage gain, and/or negative voltage gain.Certain exemplary embodiments can calibrate the temperature errorassociated with the thermocouple cold-junction

Note that performing user calibration can cause unexpected behavior forthe module if the calibration process is not performed properly. Thus,one feature that can be added is a reset to factory default calibration.With this approach, if the user were to accidentally make a mistakeduring the calibration process, the module could be restored to thefactory default calibration and the user could attempt to perform theuser calibration again.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method 3000. Anyactivity or subset of activities of method 3000 can be performed withina thermocouple input module coupled to a programmable logic controller.One or more of the activities of method 3000 can be performed usingcalibration voltage values received from a thermocouple At activity3100, calibration factors adapted for use in calibrating a thermocouplecan be determined. The calibration factors can be selected from anoffset, positive voltage gain, negative voltage gain, and a coldjunction temperature adjustment. In certain exemplary embodiments, oneor more calibration factors can be determined within firmware of thethermocouple input module.

At activity 3200, the calibration factors can be stored. In certainexemplary embodiments, the calibration factors can be stored in a memoryof the input module.

At activity 3300, the thermocouple can be calibrated. The thermocouplecan be calibrated based upon a calibration voltage value obtained fromthe thermocouple. The thermocouple can be calibrated using thecalibration factors.

At activity 3400, a voltage value can be obtained from the thermocouple.The voltage value can be transmitted via electrically conductive wires.The voltage value can be proportional to a temperature of thethermocouple.

At activity 3500, the voltage value can be converted to an approximatetemperature value. In certain exemplary embodiments, within thethermocouple input module prior to obtaining a temperature valueapproximately corresponding to an incoming thermocouple voltage value,the calibration factors can be applied to the incoming thermocouplevoltage value to obtain an adjusted thermocouple voltage value. Theadjusted thermocouple voltage value can be converted to a temperaturevalue.

At activity 3600, the temperature value can be transmitted to a PLC. ThePLC can be adapted to utilize the temperature value as an input in acontrol program. The control program can be adapted to cause operationof an actuator in hard real time.

At activity 3700, the calibration factors can be reset to factorydefault values. In certain exemplary embodiments, the factory defaultvalues can be used to obtain an approximate temperature readingresponsive to a determination that calibration factors being used inmethod 3000 are found to be unacceptable and/or erroneous.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an informationdevice 4000, which in certain operative embodiments can comprise, forexample, information device 1600 of FIG. 1. Information device 4000 cancomprise any of numerous circuits and/or components, such as forexample, one or more network interfaces 4100, one or more processors4200, one or more memories 4300 containing instructions 4400, one ormore input/output (I/O) devices 4500, and/or one or more user interfaces4600 coupled to I/O device 4500, etc.

In certain exemplary embodiments, via one or more user interfaces 4600,such as a graphical user interface, a user can view a rendering ofinformation related to researching, designing, modeling, creating,developing, building, manufacturing, operating, maintaining, storing,marketing, selling, delivering, selecting, specifying, requesting,ordering, receiving, returning, rating, and/or recommending any of theproducts, services, methods, and/or information described herein.

Definitions

When the following terms are used substantively herein, the accompanyingdefinitions apply. These terms and definitions are presented withoutprejudice, and, consistent with the application, the right to redefinethese terms during the prosecution of this application or anyapplication claiming priority hereto is reserved. For the purpose ofinterpreting a claim of any patent that claims priority hereto, eachdefinition (or redefined term if an original definition was amendedduring the prosecution of that patent), functions as a clear andunambiguous disavowal of the subject matter outside of that definition.

-   -   a—at least one.    -   actuator—a device that converts, translates, and/or interprets        signals (e.g., electrical, optical, hydraulic, pneumatic, etc.)        to cause a physical and/or humanly perceptible action and/or        output, such as a motion (e.g., rotation of a motor shaft,        vibration, position of a valve, position of a solenoid, position        of a switch, and/or position of a relay, etc.), audible sound        (e.g., horn, bell, and/or alarm, etc.), and/or visible rendering        (e.g., indicator light, non-numerical display, and/or numerical        display, etc).    -   adapted to—suitable, fit, and/or capable of performing a        specified function.    -   adjust—to change so as to match, fit, adapt, conform, and/or be        in a more effective state.    -   apply—to put to on, and/or into action and/or service; to        implement; and/or to bring into contact with something.    -   approximately—about and/or nearly the same as.    -   associate—to relate, bring together in a relationship, map,        combine, join, and/or connect.    -   automatically—acting and/or operating in a manner essentially        independent of external human influence and/or control. For        example, an automatic light switch can turn on upon “seeing” a        person in its view, without the person manually operating the        light switch.    -   based—being derived from.    -   based upon—determined in consideration of and/or derived from.    -   calibration—a checking of an instrument against a reference        point or standard.    -   calibration factor—a value that when mathematically applied to a        measured value adjusts the measured value to that of a reference        point and/or standard value.    -   can—is capable of, in at least some embodiments.    -   cause—to bring about, provoke, precipitate, produce, elicit, be        the reason for, result in, and/or effect.    -   circuit—an electrically conductive pathway and/or a        communications connection established across two or more        switching devices comprised by a network and between        corresponding end systems connected to, but not comprised by the        network.    -   cold junction temperature adjustment—a correction of a measured        voltage value of a thermocouple that is based upon a        measurement, at a location at which two metal strips of the        thermocouple are joined, at a predetermined temperature that is        relatively low compared to an expected operating temperature of        the thermocouple.    -   communicatively—linking in a manner that facilitates        communications.    -   comprise—to include but not be limited to, what follows.    -   configure—to design, arrange, set up, shape, and/or make        suitable and/or fit for a specific purpose.    -   control—(n) a mechanical or electronic device used to operate a        machine within predetermined limits; (v) to exercise        authoritative and/or dominating influence over, cause to act in        a predetermined manner, direct, adjust to a requirement, and/or        regulate.    -   convert—to transform, adapt, and/or change, such as from a first        form to a second form.    -   corresponding—related, associated, accompanying, similar in        purpose and/or position, conforming in every respect, and/or        equivalent and/or agreeing in amount, quantity, magnitude,        quality, and/or degree.    -   couple(d)—to join, connect, and/or link two things together.    -   data—information represented in a form suitable for processing        by an information device.    -   deadline—a time interval during which an activity's completion        has more utility to a system, and after which the activity's        completion has less utility. Such a time interval might be        constrained only by an upper-bound, or it might be constrained        by both upper and lower bounds.    -   default—a predetermined value that is used unless a superseding        value is provided.    -   define—to establish the meaning, relationship, outline, form,        and/or structure of: and/or to precisely and/or distinctly        describe and/or specify.    -   determine—to obtain, calculate, decide, deduce, establish,        and/or ascertain.    -   firmware—a set of machine-readable instructions that are stored        in a non-volatile read-only memory, such as a PROM, EPROM,        and/or EEPROM.    -   from—used to indicate a source.    -   further—in addition.    -   haptic—both the human sense of kinesthetic movement and the        human sense of touch. Among the many potential haptic        experiences are numerous sensations, body-positional differences        in sensations, and time-based changes in sensations that are        perceived at least partially in non-visual, non-audible, and        non-olfactory manners, including the experiences of tactile        touch (being touched), active touch, grasping, pressure,        friction, traction, slip, stretch, force, torque, impact,        puncture, vibration, motion, acceleration, jerk, pulse,        orientation, limb position, gravity, texture, gap, recess,        viscosity, pain, itch, moisture, temperature, thermal        conductivity, and thermal capacity.    -   hard deadline—the special case where completing an activity        within the deadline results in the system receiving all the        utility possible from that activity, and completing the activity        outside of the deadline results in zero utility (i.e., resources        consumed by the activity were wasted, such as when one travels        to the beach to photograph a sunrise on a particular day and        arrives after the sun has already arisen) or some negative value        of utility (i.e., the activity was counter-productive, such as        when firefighters enter a burning building to search for a        missing person seconds before the building collapses, resulting        in injury or death to the firefighters). The scheduling        criterion for a hard deadline is to always meet the hard        deadline, even if it means changing the activity to do so.    -   hard real-time—relating to computer systems that provide an        absolute deterministic response to an event. Such a response is        not based on average event time. Instead, in such computer        systems, the deadlines are fixed and the system must guarantee a        response within a fixed and well-defined time. Systems operating        in hard real-time typically interact at a low level with        physical hardware via embedded systems, and can suffer a        critical failure if time constraints are violated. A classic        example of a hard real-time computing system is the anti-lock        brakes on a car. The hard real-time constraint, or deadline, in        this system is the time in which the brakes must be released to        prevent the wheel from locking. Another example is a car engine        control system, in which a delayed control signal might cause        engine failure or damage. Other examples of hard real-time        embedded systems include medical systems such as heart        pacemakers and industrial process controllers.    -   Human Machine Interface—hardware and/or software adapted to        render information to a user and/or receive information from the        user.    -   incoming—entering from an extrinsic location.    -   information—facts, terms concepts, phrases, expressions,        commands, numbers, characters, and/or symbols, etc., that are        related to a subject. Sometimes used synonymously with data, and        sometimes used to describe organized, transformed, and/or        processed data. It is generally possible to automate certain        activities involving the management, organization, storage,        transformation, communication, and/or presentation of        information.    -   information device—any device on which resides a finite state        machine capable of implementing at least a portion of a method,        structure, and/or or graphical user interface described herein.        An information device can comprise well-known communicatively        coupled components, such as one or more network interfaces, one        or more processors, one or more memories containing        instructions, one or more input/output (I/O) devices, and/or one        or more user interfaces (e.g., coupled to an I/O device) via        which information can be rendered to implement one or more        functions described herein. For example, an information device        can be any general purpose and/or special purpose computer, such        as a personal computer, video game system (e.g., PlayStation,        Nintendo Gameboy, X-Box, etc.), workstation, server,        minicomputer, mainframe, supercomputer, computer terminal,        laptop, wearable computer, and/or Personal Digital Assistant        (PDA), iPod, mobile terminal, Bluetooth device, communicator,        “smart” phone (such as a Treo-like device), messaging service        (e.g., Blackberry) receiver, pager, facsimile, cellular        telephone, a traditional telephone, telephonic device, a        programmed microprocessor or microcontroller and/or peripheral        integrated circuit elements, a digital signal processor, an ASIC        or other integrated circuit, a hardware electronic logic circuit        such as a discrete element circuit, and/or a programmable logic        device such as a PLD, PLA, FPGA, or PAL, or the like, etc.    -   Input/Output (I/O) device—an input/output (I/O) device of an        information device can be any sensory-oriented input and/or        output device, such as an audio visual, haptic, olfactory,        and/or taste-oriented device, including, for example a monitor,        display, projector, overhead display, keyboard, keypad, mouse,        trackball, joystick, gamepad, wheel, touchpad touch panel,        pointing device, microphone, speaker, video camera, camera,        scanner, printer, haptic device, vibrator, tactile simulator,        and/or tactile pad, potentially including a port to which an I/O        device can be attached or connected.    -   input—a signal, data, and/or information provided to a        processor, device, and/or system.    -   input module—a device and/or system adapted to receive and/or        forward information between a programmable logic controller        (PLC) and a predetermined set of sensors and/or actuators.    -   machine-implementable instructions—directions adapted to cause a        machine, such as an information device, to perform one or more        particular activities, operations, and/or functions. The        directions, which can sometimes form an entity called a        “processor”, “kernel”, “operating system”, “program”,        “application”, “utility”, “subroutine”, “script”, “macro”,        “file”, “project”, “module”, “library”, “class”, and/or        “object”, etc., can be embodied as machine code, source code,        object code, compiled code, assembled code, interpretable code,        and/or executable code, etc., in hardware, firmware, and/or        software.    -   machine-readable medium—a physical structure from which a        machine, such as an information device, computer,        microprocessor, and/or controller, etc., can obtain and/or store        data, information, and/or instructions. Examples include        memories, punch cards, and/or optically-readable forms, etc.    -   may—is allowed and/or permitted to, in at least some        embodiments.    -   memory device—an apparatus capable of storing analog or digital        information, such as instructions and/or data. Examples include        a non-volatile memory, volatile memory, Random Access Memory,        RAM, Read Only Memory, ROM, flash memory, magnetic media, a hard        disk, a floppy disk, a magnetic tape, an optical media, an        optical disk, a compact disk, a CD, a digital versatile disk, a        DVD, and/or a raid array, etc. The memory device can be coupled        to a processor and/or can store instructions adapted to be        executed by processor, such as according to an embodiment        disclosed herein.    -   method—a process, procedure, and/or collection of related        activities for accomplishing something.    -   more—in addition to.    -   negative voltage gain—an increase or decrease in signal power,        voltage, and/or current, expressed as the ratio of output to        input having a slope that is less than approximately zero.    -   network—a communicatively coupled plurality of nodes,        communication devices, and/or information devices. Via a        network, such devices can be linked, such as via various        wireline and/or wireless media, such as cables, telephone lines,        power lines, optical fibers, radio waves, and/or light beams,        etc., to share resources (such as printers and/or memory        devices), exchange files, and/or allow electronic communications        therebetween. A network can be and/or can utilize any of a wide        variety of sub-networks and/or protocols, such as a circuit        switched, public-switched, packet switched, connection-less,        wireless, virtual, radio, data, telephone, twisted pair, POTS,        non-POTS, DSL, cellular, telecommunications, video distribution,        cable, terrestrial, microwave, broadcast, satellite, broadband,        corporate, global national, regional, wide area, backbone,        packet-switched TCP/IP, IEEE 802.03, Ethernet. Fast Ethernet,        Token Ring, local area, wide area, IP, public Internet,        intranet, private, ATM, Ultra Wide Band (UWB), Wi-Fi, BlueTooth,        Airport, IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g,        X-10, electrical power, multi-domain, and/or multi-zone        sub-network and/or protocol, one or more Internet service        providers, and/or one or more information devices, such as a        switch, router, and/or gateway not directly connected to a local        area network, etc., and/or any equivalents thereof.    -   network interface—any physical and/or logical device, system,        and/or process capable of coupling an information device to a        network. Exemplary network interfaces comprise a telephone,        cellular phone, cellular modem, telephone data modem, fax modem,        wireless transceiver, Ethernet card, cable modem, digital        subscriber line interlace, bridge, hub, router, or other similar        device, software to manage such a device, and/or software to        provide a function of such a device.    -   obtain—to receive, get, take possession of, procure, acquire,        calculate, determine, and/or compute.    -   offset—a value adapted to correct a measurement when added to        the measurement.    -   one—a single entity.    -   plurality—more than one.    -   positive voltage gain—an increase or decrease in signal power,        voltage, and/or current, expressed as the ratio of output to        input having a slope that is greater than approximately zero.    -   predetermined—determine, decide, or establish in advance.    -   prior—earlier in time.    -   processor—a hardware, firmware, and/or software machine and/or        virtual machine comprising a set of machine-readable        instructions adaptable to perform a specific task. A processor        can utilize mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical,        magnetic, optical, informational, chemical, and/or biological        principles, mechanisms, signals, and/or inputs to perform the        task(s). In certain embodiments, a processor can act upon        information by manipulating, analyzing, modifying, and/or        converting it, transmitting the information for use by an        executable procedure and/or an information device, and/or        routing the information to an output device. A processor can        function as a central processing unit, local controller, remote        controller, parallel controller, and/or distributed controller,        etc. Unless stated otherwise, the processor can be a        general-purpose device, such as a microcontroller and/or a        microprocessor, such the Pentium IV series of microprocessor        manufactured by the Intel Corporation of Santa Clara, Calif. In        certain embodiments, the processor can be dedicated purpose        device, such as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit        (ASIC) or a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) that has been        designed to implement in its hardware and/or firmware at least a        part of an embodiment disclosed herein. A processor can reside        on and use the capabilities of a controller.    -   programmable logic controller (PLC)—a solid-state,        microprocessor-based, hard real-time computing system that is        used, via a network, to automatically monitor the status of        field-connected sensor inputs, and automatically control        communicatively-coupled devices of a controlled industrial        system (e.g., actuators, solenoids, relays, switches, motor        starters, speed drives (e.g., variable frequency drives,        silicon-controlled rectifiers, etc.), pilot lights, igniters,        tape drives, speakers, printers, monitors, displays, etc.)        according to a user-created set of values and user-created logic        and/or instructions stored in memory. The sensor inputs reflect        measurements and/or status information related to the controlled        industrial system. A PLC provides any of: automated input/output        control; switching; counting; arithmetic operations; complex        data manipulation; logic; timing; sequencing; communication;        data file manipulation; report generation; control; relay        control; motion control; process control; distributed control;        and/or monitoring of processes, manufacturing equipment, and/or        other automation of the controlled industrial system. Because of        its precise and hard real-time timing and sequencing        capabilities, a PLC is programmed using ladder logic or some        form of structured programming language specified in IEC        61131-3, namely, FBD (Function Block Diagram), LD (Ladder        Diagram), ST (Structured Text, Pascal type language), IL        (Instruction List) and/or SFC (Sequential Function Chart).        Because of its precise and real-time timing and sequencing        capabilities, a PLC can replace up to thousands of relays and        cam timers. PLC hardware often has good redundancy and fail-over        capabilities. A PLC can use a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) for        interacting with users for configuration, alarm reporting,        and/or control.    -   real-time—a system (or sub-system) characterized by time        constraints on individual activities and scheduling criteria for        using those time constraints to achieve acceptable system        timeliness with acceptable predictability.    -   receive—to gather, take, acquire, obtain, accept, get, and/or        have bestowed upon.    -   render—to display, annunciate, speak, print, and/or otherwise        make perceptible to a human, for example as data commands, text,        graphics, audio, video, animation, and/or hyperlinks, etc., such        as via any visual, audio, and/or haptic mechanism, such as via a        display, monitor, printer, electric paper, ocular implant,        cochlear implant, speaker, etc.    -   request—(v.) to express a need and/or desire for; to inquire        and/or ask for. (n.) that which communicates an expression of        desire and/or that which is asked for.    -   reset—a control adapted to clear and/or change a threshold.    -   said—when used in a system or device claim, an article        indicating a subsequent claim term that has been previously        introduced.    -   select—to choose an item.    -   signal—information encoded as automatically detectable        variations in a physical variable, such as a pneumatic,        hydraulic, acoustic, fluidic, mechanical, electrical, magnetic,        optical, chemical, and/or biological variable, such as power,        energy, pressure, flowrate viscosity, density, torque, impact,        force, frequency, phase, voltage, current, resistance,        magnetomotive force, magnetic field intensity, magnetic field        flux, magnetic flux density, reluctance, permeability, index of        refraction, optical wavelength, polarization, reflectance,        transmittance, phase shift, concentration, and/or temperature,        etc. Depending on the context, a signal can be synchronous,        asynchronous, hard real-time, soft real-time, non-real time,        continuously generated, continuously varying, analog, discretely        generated, discretely varying, quantized, digital, continuously        measured and/or discretely measured, etc.    -   soft deadline—the general case where completing an activity by a        deadline results in a system receiving a utility measured in        terms of lateness (completion time minus deadline), such that        there exist positive lateness values corresponding to positive        utility values for the system. Lateness can be viewed in terms        of tardiness (positive lateness), or earliness (negative        lateness). Generally, and potentially within certain bounds,        larger positive values of lateness or tardiness represent lower        utility, and larger positive values of earliness represent        greater utility.    -   soft real-time—relating to computer systems that take a best        efforts approach and minimize latency from event to response as        much as possible while keeping throughput up with external        events overall. Such systems will not suffer a critical failure        if time constraints are violated. For example, live audio-video        systems are usually soft real-time; violation of time        constraints can result in degraded quality, but the system can        continue to operate. Another example is a network server, which        is a system for which fast response is desired but for which        there is no deadline. If the network server is highly loaded,        its response time may slow with no failure in service. This is        contrasted with an anti-lock braking system where a slow down in        response would likely cause system failure, possibly even        catastrophic failure.    -   store—to place, hold, retain, enter, and/or copy into and/or        onto a machine-readable medium.    -   substantially—to a considerable, large, and/or great, but not        necessarily whole and/or entire, extent and/or degree.    -   system—a collection of mechanisms, devices, machines, articles        of manufacture, processes, data, and/or instructions, the        collection designed to perform one or more specific functions.    -   temperature—measure of the average kinetic energy of the        molecules in a sample of matter, expressed in terms of units or        degrees designated on a standard scale.    -   thermocouple—a temperature sensor that produces a        temperature-proportional electrical voltage.    -   transmit—to provide, furnish, supply, send as a signal, and/or        to convey (e.g., force, energy, and/or information) from one        place and/or thing to another.    -   user—a person, organization, process, device, program, protocol,        and/or system that uses a device, system, process, and/or        service.    -   user interface—a device and/or software program for rendering        information to a user and/or requesting information from the        user. A user interface can include at least one of textual,        graphical, audio, video, animation, and/or haptic elements. A        textual element can be provided, for example, by a printer,        monitor, display, projector, etc. A graphical element can be        provided, for example, via a monitor, display, projector, and/or        visual indication device, such as a light, flag, beacon, etc. An        audio element can be provided, for example, via a speaker,        microphone, and/or other sound generating and/or receiving        device. A video element or animation element can be provided,        for example, via a monitor, display, projector, and/or other        visual device. A haptic element can be provided, for example,        via a very low frequency speaker, vibrator, tactile stimulator,        tactile pad, simulator, keyboard, keypad, mouse, trackball,        joystick, gamepad, wheel, touchpad, touch panel, pointing        device, and/or other haptic device, etc. A user interface can        include one or more textual elements such as, for example, one        or more letters, number, symbols, etc. A user interface can        include one or more graphical elements such as, for example, an        image photograph, drawing, icon, window, title bar, panel,        sheet, tab, drawer, matrix table, form calendar, outline view,        frame, dialog box, static text, text box, list, pick list,        pop-up list, pull-down list, menu, tool bar, dock, check box,        radio button, hyperlink, browser, button, control, palette,        preview panel, color wheel, dial, slider, scroll bar, cursor,        status bar, stepper, and/or progress indicator, etc. A textual        and/or graphical element can be used for selecting, programming,        adjusting, changing, specifying, etc. an appearance, background        color, background style, border style, border thickness,        foreground color, font, font style, font size, alignment, line        spacing, indent, maximum data length, validation, query, cursor        type, pointer type, autosizing, position, and/or dimension, etc.        A user interface can include one or more audio elements such as,        for example, a volume control, pitch control, speed control,        voice selector, and/or one or more elements for controlling        audio play, speed, pause, fast forward, reverse, etc. A user        interface can include one or more video elements such as, for        example, elements controlling video play, speed, pause, fast        forward, reverse, zoom-in, zoom-out, rotate, and/or tilt, etc. A        user interface can include one or more animation elements such        as, for example, elements controlling animation play, pause,        fast forward, reverse, zoom-in, zoom-out, rotate, tilt, color,        intensity, speed, frequency, appearance, etc. A user interface        can include one or more haptic elements such as, for example,        elements utilizing tactile stimulus, force, pressure, vibration,        motion, displacement, temperature, etc.    -   value—a measured, assigned, determined, and/or calculated        quantity or quality for a variable and/or parameter.    -   via—by way of and/or utilizing.    -   voltage—(a.k.a., “potential difference” and “electromotive        force” (EMF)) a difference in electrical potential between any        two conductors of an electrical circuit and/or a quantity,        expressed as a signed number of Volts (V), and measured as a        signed difference between two points in an electrical circuit        which, when divided by the resistance in Ohms between those        points gives the current flowing between those points in        Amperes, according to Ohm's Law.    -   wherein—in regard to which; and; and/or in addition to.    -   within—inside.

Note

Still other substantially and specifically practical and usefulembodiments will become readily apparent to those skilled in this artfrom reading the above-recited and/or herein-included detaileddescription and/or drawings of certain exemplary embodiments. It shouldbe understood that numerous variations, modifications, and additionalembodiments are possible, and accordingly, all such variations,modifications, and embodiments are to be regarded as being within thescope of this application.

Thus, regardless of the content of any portion (e.g., title, field,background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) ofthis application, unless clearly specified to the contrary, such as viaexplicit definition, assertion, or argument, with respect to any claim,whether of this application and/or any claim of any application claimingpriority hereto, and whether originally presented or otherwise:

-   -   there is no requirement for the inclusion of any particular        described or illustrated characteristic, function, activity, or        element, any particular sequence of activities, or any        particular interrelationship of elements;    -   any elements can be integrated, segregated, and/or duplicated;    -   any activity can be repeated, any activity can be performed by        multiple entities, and/or any activity can be performed in        multiple jurisdictions; and    -   any activity or element can be specifically excluded, the        sequence of activities can vary, and/or the interrelationship of        elements can vary.

Moreover, when any number or range is described herein, unless clearlystated otherwise, that number or range is approximate. When any range isdescribed herein, unless clearly stated otherwise, that range includesall values therein and all subranges therein. For example, if a range of1 to 10 is described, that range includes all values therebetween, suchas for example, 1.1, 2.5, 3.335, 5, 6.179, 8.9999, etc., and includesall subranges therebetween, such as for example, 1 to 3.65, 2.8 to 8.14,1.93 to 9, etc.

When any claim element is followed by a drawing element number, thatdrawing element number is exemplary and non-limiting on claim scope.

Any information in any material (e.g., a United States patent, UnitedStates patent application, book, article, etc.) that has beenincorporated by reference herein, is only incorporated by reference tothe extent that no conflict exists between such information and theother statements and drawings set forth herein. In the event of suchconflict, including a conflict that would render invalid any claimherein or seeking priority hereto, then any such conflicting informationin such material is specifically not incorporated by reference herein.

Accordingly, every portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary,description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, otherthan the claims themselves, is to be regarded as illustrative in nature,and not as restrictive.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: one or more thermocouplesadapted to transmit calibration voltage values; a thermocouple inputmodule communicatively coupled to the one or more thermocouples; andfirmware stored in the thermocouple input module, wherein firmware is aset of machine-readable instructions that are stored in a non-volatileread-only memory; wherein the thermocouple input module is operationalto: receive the calibration voltage values from the one or morethermocouples; determine via the firmware one or more calibrationfactors for the thermocouple input module, the calibration factors basedon the received calibration voltage values, the calibration factorsselected from an offset, positive voltage gain, negative voltage gain,and a cold junction temperature adjustment; apply via the firmware saidcalibration factors to an incoming thermocouple voltage value to obtainan adjusted thermocouple voltage value via linear voltage compensationprior to obtaining a temperature value approximately corresponding tothe incoming thermocouple voltage value.
 2. The system, of claim 1,further comprising: a programmable logic controller communicativelycoupled to said thermocouple input module, said programmable logiccontroller operational to receive said temperature value.
 3. The system,of claim 1, wherein said thermocouple input module is furtheroperational to: convert said adjusted thermocouple voltage value to saidtemperature value.
 4. The system, of claim 1, wherein said thermocoupleinput module is further operational to: convert said adjustedthermocouple voltage value to said temperature value; and transmit saidtemperature value to a programmable logic controller.
 5. The system, ofclaim 1, wherein said thermocouple input module is further operationalto: reset said one or more calibration factors to one or more factorycalibration default values stored in the thermocouple input module.
 6. Amethod comprising: receiving at a thermocouple input module calibrationvoltage values from a thermocouple; determining via firmware stored inthe thermocouple input module one or more calibration factors selectedfrom an offset, positive voltage gain, negative voltage gain, and a coldjunction temperature adjustment based on the received calibrationvoltage values from the thermocouple; storing said calibration factorsin the thermocouple input module; receiving at the thermocouple inputmodule an incoming thermocouple voltage value; and applying at thethermocouple input module said calibration factors to said incomingthermocouple voltage value to obtain an adjusted thermocouple voltagevalue via linear voltage compensation prior to obtaining a temperaturevalue approximately corresponding to the incoming thermocouple voltagevalue.
 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: converting saidadjusted thermocouple voltage value to said temperature value.
 8. Themethod of claim 6, further comprising: converting said adjustedthermocouple voltage value to said temperature value; and transmittingsaid temperature value to a programmable logic controller.
 9. The methodof claim 6, further comprising: resetting said calibration factors tostored default calibration factors via the thermocouple input module.10. A method comprising: receiving calibration voltage values from athermocouple; within a thermocouple input module including storedfirmware, the thermocouple input module coupled to a programmable logiccontroller, prior to obtaining a temperature value approximatelycorresponding to an incoming thermocouple voltage value, applyingfirmware determined calibration factors to said incoming thermocouplevoltage value to obtain an adjusted thermocouple voltage value vialinear voltage compensation, said calibration factors based on thereceived calibration voltage values from the thermocouple, thecalibration factors comprising an offset, positive voltage gain,negative voltage gain, and a cold junction temperature adjustment; andwherein the firmware is a set of machine-readable instructions that arestored in a non-volatile read-only memory.